Imogene Kniffen, 93, of Clyde, Texas, went to her heavenly home June 28, 2026. Imogene was a truly remarkable lady. We remain in awe of the demonstrated resolve, love and commitment to her Lord, her family, and to her husband of, let’s just call it 75 years (74 years, 11 months and a few days).

A 75-year marriage is remarkable, but more remarkable was the love story that Clent & Imogene were. It was extremely rare when one would see the two of them together NOT holding hands. In fact, one never saw them complete a trip without a good part of it hand in hand. They were a remarkable example of husband and wife to their children and to everyone who knew them.

What is just as remarkable? Imogene almost died from a minor surgery complication. Several surgeries later and contacting the family a couple of times to say goodbyes, she proved almost everyone wrong, including the hospital staff, by overcoming incredible odds. When asked about that, she replied, “God told me he brought me through this event specifically to be a witness for Christ and to care for Clent.”

So, she did! Clent had health issues that a 30-year-old would have struggled to provide the care that Imogene did in her 90’s. She would NOT give up what had become her literal reason for living. We cannot fathom the resolve that took. Love for Clent? Absolutely! More than that was the love for her Lord and Savior. For it is only with the help from her Lord that could explain her ability to care for, and cope with these last few years. This demonstrates how remarkable she was.

She and Clent lived the last 3 years at Cedar Ridge Senior Living in Broken Arrow, OK. Cedar Ridge was initially approached with suspicion but became home. Much of that was because of the employees. They went well above their job in assisting the Kniffen’s. They checked on them pretty much all the time. Two of them even made the 12-hour round trip to Clent’s funeral last year. Those two and many others made the lives of Clent and Imogene much, much better. We, her family, thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

There are many examples of Imogene’s servant heart, but the one that aggravated her daughters, but was the envy of her sons-in-law, was when Clent was low on something to drink. Without looking up, he would gently wiggle the ice cubes in his glass. She would jump up and refill his glass. Every time. Not once – ever did she suggest he has two good legs. Her daughters mentioned it to him. He just gave that grin like he knew he had won the wife-lottery, and with nothing but love and the joy of doing something else for Clent, the glass was filled.

That story has humor. Well, for the sons-in-law, and maybe the sons, although they were less vocal than the youngest daughter. This is more than a humorous story; it was the life of Imogene. The life of a quiet, strong, stubborn in a good way, wife, mother, PROUD grandmother, and daughter of the King.

Here is the vision one might see of Imogene after arriving in the presence of her Lord: They are at a large dinner table celebrating all there is to celebrate in the life to come. Many are there. Jesus looks down the table at Imogene. He gently smiles. Shakes his glass ever so slightly. Imogene, with eyes full of love and a heart loving to serve, gets up dutifully and fills it. Why did He smile? Because He knows. He knows that Imogene is showing what a servant is, as she has always done. Her service to her husband, and others, was always and ultimately about serving her Lord. Nothing could make her happier.

Imogene was preceded in death by Clent, William Robert & Minnie Fleming (parents), Samule Alexander Fleming (brother) and Daniel Fleming (brother).

She is survived by her four children: Rita & Michael Hale of Bixby, Oklahoma; David & Jo Ellen Kniffen of Joshua, Texas; Keith & Sandra Kniffen of Abilene, Texas; Wendy & Nate Tinkle of Albany, Texas; as well as 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

A graveside service celebrating Imogene’s life and Christian legacy will be held on July 3, 2026, at 10:30am at the Clyde Cemetery in Clyde, Texas.

Imogene will lie instate on Thursday, July 2, from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Bailey-Howard Funeral Home in Clyde, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Keith Kniffen, Kolby Tinkle, Chad Kniffen, Jayce Tinkle, Ross Green and Josiah Fernandez.

Memorials may be sent to Loving Care Ministries in Clyde, Texas or the library of the First Baptist Church in Clyde, Texas.